Tool Time – Embossing Powder

dsc05508.JPG

I’m posting a bit late today.  You see, I’m a Virgo and my mind will absolutely not function in an unorganized workspace.   So when I woke this morning and look around at my craft-room it was very apparent I had to spend the morning organizing new purchases, putting away items used and give the area a really good dusting.

So after straightening up there was no time for a tutorial so today I am going to talk about one of my all time favorite tools, Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder.  🙂

If you have read a few of my tutorials you know that I use a lot of Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder.  It is one of three items that I keep within arms reach at all times when I am stamping.  The other two are my heat gun and my brayer.  I know you are all shocked, lol.

I get my fine detail clear embossing powder from Stampin’ Up and I have also used other brands that I have picked up here and there from craft stores.  I’ve not run into any that have not worked well.  As long as it says “fine detail” on the container I believe it will work great.  If you get clear embossing powder that is not fine detail it will look like crystals and will not work as well with intricate designed stamps.

I use clear embossing powder so I can stamp with any color of ink, apply the clear embossing powder and it becomes the color of the ink.  I don’t have to have a bunch of different colors of embossing powder hanging around.  If you are using dye based inks you will need to load Versamark on your stamp, then load the stamp with ink before stamping.  The Versamark will give the embossing powder something to hold onto.  If you are using pigment ink, it is wetter and the Versamark is not necessary.

I store my fine detail clear embossing powder in a sandwich sized plastic container so I don’t have to use any other tools and try to put in back in the very tiny container that it comes in.  I just keep an old spoon in the sandwich sized plastic container with the embossing powder and I’m ready to use it.

Well there you have it my two cents on Clear Embossing Powder. 

There was a couple of questions posted to me that I wanted to answer today also.  

Do you get ink on your hands?  Do you have trouble getting it off and if so, do you use a special cleaner to get it off?

Well let me answer by saying a big YES, I do get ink on my hands.  🙂  It is a rare day when I don’t have ink stains on my hands.  It is my badge of honor as an artist and it is small price to pay for all of the joy stamping has given me.

I don’t use a special cleaner and since I work with all dye based inks, I go around with ink on my hands until it wears off.  It usually only takes about 4 hand washings before it is not noticeable.  I don’t like wearing fingernail polish because it will definitely stick to that and never come off.

Get the picture, I’m not very glamorous, lol.

Well that is all for today.

May your day be one that is overflowing with Joy and Creativity!

Until my next post. . . . . . . . .

Hugs,

Michelle

39 thoughts on “Tool Time – Embossing Powder

  1. I do have a question for you.
    I recently purchased a versamarker. I’ve tried to use it over big area’s like you do but it dries before I can emboss. How do you do it? Do you do it in little area’s at a time? The pen’s driving me crazy.
    Your blog is the first one that I stalk each day! Every one of your creations is fabulous! Thanks for taking the time to post for all of us each day!
    Hugs,
    Joani
    P.s. I sent your link to a friend who is going to try to go to your class in San Jose, she’s also a fan of yours!

    Like

  2. Joani asked “I recently purchased a versamarker. I’ve tried to use it over big area’s like you do but it dries before I can emboss. How do you do it? Do you do it in little area’s at a time?”

    Joani, although it may look like it is dry, it will still hold the embossing powder. I color over large areas, take the time to take photos and the embossing powder will still stick to it.

    If you have tried to put the embossing powder on and it does not stick, my guess is you have a bad Versamark marker. Oh, make sure you buy Versamark brand markers. I haven’t found any other embossing marker that I like.

    Hope this helps. 🙂

    Like

  3. luisa tejeda's avatar luisa tejeda

    Hello,

    I read your tutorial on how to brayer but still cannot do it. Do you think you would be able to make an actual video and post it on youtube?

    Thank you for your lovely work.

    Luisa

    Like

  4. Phyllis Gunn's avatar Phyllis Gunn

    I’m always looking for hints/tips that make me more efficient in my studio. I also keep my embossing powder in a plastic container with a spoon. It minimizes the powder going everywhere as I do keep a fan on in there. Hey, it’s Texas, in the summer time! I read your brayering tutorial and you said don’t skimp on the ink. Guess what???? You are right! I practiced on junk mail and then on scraps of CS and I think I’ve finally got it down. Thank you. Now I’m off to see if I can come up with a substitute for a piercing needle and template. If I’m not successful, I’ll purchase Tim Holtz’s designer ruler as it has everything I need in a ruler. The piercing tool I want is out of stock right now so, I’m going to play around. Any hints?

    Like

  5. Phyllis asked “Now I’m off to see if I can come up with a substitute for a piercing needle and template. If I’m not successful, I’ll purchase Tim Holtz’s designer ruler as it has everything I need in a ruler. The piercing tool I want is out of stock right now so, I’m going to play around. Any hints?”

    Phyllis, try a pushpin as a piercing tool substitute. 🙂

    Like

  6. Luisa asked “I read your tutorial on how to brayer but still cannot do it. Do you think you would be able to make an actual video and post it on youtube?”

    Luisa, I have no plans on a Utube video, but I am teaching in workshops around the country. Can you make to one of those?

    Like

  7. luisa tejeda's avatar luisa tejeda

    I wish I could but I live in Charlotte, NC. Will you be in my area anytime…if so you can count on me being front and center.

    I would love to be able to take a class with you.

    Like

  8. OK.. here is my question! How much of the clear EP do you have in your sandwich storage thingy??? I bought a new container of clear EP just for the ‘Zindorf’ technique, do I need more than one container of EP?

    And, I also bought a new versamark pen… I know you use this a lot as well.. How many do you go through a year??????

    Just curious!!!
    Thanks for all your beautiful work and tutorials…

    Like

  9. Thanks for your tips on embossing powder. I think is so interesting how you use it to mask images rather than the tedious process of cutting out scraps of paper. I’ve been embosing for a long time but never tried using versamark ink with dye ink. I also like your idea of putting it in a flat container so you don’t have to pour it back into the little bottle. It’s always good to learn some new tricks!

    Like

  10. Janet's avatar Janet

    So funny! Ink on a stampers hands and fingers are a stampers trade mark! I bought the versamark pen and reinker. I didn’t no if you could refill it or not? Have you ever tried to? Thanks for all your help.

    Like

  11. AM's avatar AM

    I’ve seen your embossing container in past posts and it finally stuck a note that if you use something a lot, you should make it as easy as you can. Great tip-I’m going to set up the same system.

    Like

  12. Hey Michelle, will you please come to my house and clean and straighten my stampin’ room. It’s so bad at this point, I can hardly walk in it . . . LOL! That’s the first thing on my schedule when I return from Tennessee on Monday evening. After a solid week of cleaning and reorganizing, I’m hoping I’ll be ready to go on my tutorials. Thank you for sharing the embossing tips. I do everything you suggested here, except using the fine EP, that’s definitely something I’m going to pick up as I have a few pieces I’ve done that have the orange peel effect. (kinda like my thighs . . . so sad!)

    Like

  13. Carla's avatar Carla

    Love it when you give us tips, tools and tricks! Really appreciate the info. on the clear EP today. I would not have thought you used fine detail. I just assumed it was the regular EP. I too would like to know if you have tried to or do refill your versamark, marker since you use it so much. Thank you for this info!

    Like

  14. mary's avatar mary

    Michelle,

    Thanks again (and again, and again) for all the wonderful tutorials, tips, and advice. I’m making cards for 2 of my adult sons’ birthdays using some of your fabulous tricks. People are so impressed when my cards utilize the “Zin techniques” – they think they are difficult. Yet they are really simple when you break them down into easy steps – like you do for us.

    Thanks…again!
    -mary

    Like

  15. Patty's avatar Patty

    Hey Michelle…I keep Purell on my stamp table…I usually get something inky on me and it takes it right off!! I use it right away, because I have been known to spend alot of time and effort on a project and then leave a smudge of ink on it!
    I also keep my most used embossing powders in containers with spoons (fine detail clear, fine detail gold…) And I keep my dazzling diamonds glitter in a sandwich container too! 😉 Easy clean-up!
    As far as a piercing tool and template…I use a large needle (tapestry or plastic canvas needle) or push pin for a tool. I have several pieces of plastic canvas (various sizes –> 7 count, 10 count) cut to use as templates. The holes are evenly spaced and you can also use them to line up holes for eyelets and brads!
    I hope this helps someone somewhere!
    Happy Stamping!!

    Like

  16. I love these Tool Time tuts…Since I saw you using this sandwich container(in previous tuts), I’ve done the same with all of my EB powders and glitters. BOY, WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE…I hate to say this, but I think I avoided using those products in the past simply because they were a pain in glutes…not to mention very messy…this way is quick, clean and effecient…(which I especially appreciate being a fellow Virgo and all 🙂
    Thanks for keeping us all ORGANIZED!
    When is your BD?

    Like

  17. Debi Pippin's avatar Debi Pippin

    Hey Michelle I am a virgo too. Sept 6th.. When is yours? Thanks for the tips on the embossing powder and nice to know SU has the best or at least the one you prefer.
    I wear the badge of inky hands too. Oh yes and I do know that I have glitter on my face! I saw a stamp with that on it today. Gotta get that one. too funny.
    Inky hugs
    Debi Pippin

    Like

  18. Lynne's avatar Lynne

    Just love your blog!! I too always have ink on my fingers but have found the neatest invention, they are called “Wing Mitts” and they are half of glove that just fit over your thumb and next two fingers. They are actually for keeping your fingers clean when eating wings. But that to me would take out all the fun of licking your fingers when eating wings :o) Have a great day, Hugs n’ Stuff, Lynne

    Like

  19. Janet asked “bought the versamark pen and reinker. I didn’t no if you could refill it or not? Have you ever tried to?”

    Janet, I have never tried to refill my Versamark marker. Let me know if you figure it out. 🙂

    Like

  20. Andi asked “How much of the clear EP do you have in your sandwich storage thingy??? I bought a new container of clear EP just for the ‘Zindorf’ technique, do I need more than one container of EP?
    And, I also bought a new versamark pen… I know you use this a lot as well.. How many do you go through a year??????”

    Andi, my container probably has about 1 1/2 small containers in it now. I just dump a new container of it in every now and then. 🙂

    You really don’t need more than one small container.

    I replace my marker about every 6 months.

    🙂

    Like

  21. Luisa asked “I wish I could but I live in Charlotte, NC. Will you be in my area anytime…if so you can count on me being front and center.”

    Luisa, Please let me know if there is a stamp store or someone with a workshop that can accomodate 6 to 8 people near you and we will see what we can schedule. I would love to come meet you.

    Like

  22. Mari's avatar Mari

    I guess it never occured to me that you would be using fine detail powder! There’s this powder that I found (and have put off buying) that maybe I should actually go buy now. I was hesitant because it comes in a big bottle – couldn’t figure out what to do with it all! 😀 ( http://www.smartrubber.com/smartsite_013.htm in case you’re interested)

    Also, I wanted to say that I am so bummed that you aren’t coming to my area (Longmont)! While I don’t know what happened, I sure do hope that you can reschedule your trip here. I know there are tons of places to have classes in the area and plenty of us who would love to ‘host’ you!

    As always, thank you for sharing your time and talent!

    Like

  23. Marion Evans's avatar Marion Evans

    Hi, Michelle –
    I’ve been loving all your tutorials since I discovered them. As someone else said (above), your cards are deceptively simple – ie they LOOK really complicated and as though they would have taken ages, but your simple step-by-steps make them relatively easy. And I do love the way you blend the inks to create that interesting intensity. Re inky fingers, I’ve found that HAIR SHAMPOO cleans the ink off really fast: you can wash your hands with it, or – as I do – just wait till you next shampoo your hair!
    Do you ever come to Australia (specifically Melbourne, Vic) to do workshops/classes?
    Keep up the great creating! ~ Marion

    Like

  24. Tammy O'Neal's avatar Tammy O'Neal

    Hmmm. Can’t find ‘Fine Detail Embossing Powder’ in the new catty. If it is there, I have searched high and low and am missing it!

    Is it glassy glaze you use?

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful projects. Love everything you make.

    Like

  25. Tammy asked “Can’t find ‘Fine Detail Embossing Powder’ in the new catty. If it is there, I have searched high and low and am missing it!

    Is it glassy glaze you use?”

    Tammy, I haven’t ordered any out of the new catty, but I bet it is item number 109130 Clear embossing powder. 🙂

    Like

  26. Angela's avatar Angela

    Hi Michelle, I have tried your technique and although it looks easy I think it will take me awhile to master each step.
    I have tried the detail powder however when it is melted half of it seems to dissapear into the paper. What sort of paper do you use? Thanks.

    Like

  27. Hi Michelle,
    You may have this posted somewhere, but I haven’t located it yet..Where do you hold your tutorials?
    Are you coming to the Midwest this fall/winter? I live near St. Louis, Mo.
    I would love to come to a tutorial of yours! How fun it would be!
    Thanks so much for all you do!

    Like

  28. Hi Michelle~

    I love the way you’re able to simplify things for us! I’ve incorporated all of your embossing powder tips and can’t understand why I never figured all this out on my own…being another Virgo (Sept. 8), too.

    You haven’t mentioned using an “Embossing Buddy.” Is that something you’ve found unnecessary?

    Many thanks again,
    ~jeanie.

    Like

  29. Jeanie asked “You haven’t mentioned using an “Embossing Buddy.” Is that something you’ve found unnecessary?”

    Jeanie, I don’t own an embossing buddy. After I put my embossing powder on I hold my card stock up to the light so I can see if there is any stray embossing powder, if there is I brush it off with a little paint brush. 🙂

    Like

  30. I bought the tonic Paper distresser & can’t find any instructions on how to use it……

    love your tutorials. I am a new stamper and am learning so much

    thank you for all your hard work

    JoAnne

    Like

  31. Beverlita's avatar Beverlita

    My favorite all time stamp set is Heartfelt. It is a super basic flower that can be used over and over. Thanks for your blog and especially your tutorials and tips.

    Like

  32. Michelle:

    Thank you for pointing me to the tutorial on EP. It answered just what I needed.

    I have ink on me too…most of the time…does not bother me a bit;)

    toni

    Like

  33. Penny's avatar Penny

    Michelle- I’ve looked and looked- and tried and tried- Im using the stampin up EP- clear- but still Im getting the crystals…..help……..what am I doing wrong??

    By the way Im in Utah……..and Im sure if you planned a workshop here- I could get some people to come!!! Come here please!!!!!!
    Thanks!!
    Penny

    Like

Leave a reply to Marion Evans Cancel reply